Pennypitstop, people have the right to express their feelings when they are hurt and the same should be limited to that without succumbing to voilence. Love of the religion is deep rooted in the hearts of the muslims. I think its not easy to get them to tolerate the blasphemy. That is why I say why not the writers take some care dealing with religion?
By the way, who said you are not free to ask? you can ask anything if you have a doubt. There is nothing wrong in it. Yes, there is a chance that you may be labled a murtad(doubter) by overenthusiastic muslims. Just have confidence in what you ask.